Nam Vien, P.Geo., Engineer-in-Training

Please tell us about your personal background.

I was born in Hanoi, Vietnam, and I have built much of my professional life in Saskatoon. I am married and have two wonderful daughters. Family is a big part of my life and an important source of support.

Why did you choose geoscience, and what is your area of specialty?

My career has centered on geophysics, especially applying it to practical mining challenges where the work can directly support safer decisions underground. My area of specialty is mining geophysics, with a strong focus on microseismic monitoring, subsurface imaging methods such as ground penetrating radar and surface/in-mine seismic that help assess the structural integrity of underground potash mines. A big part of my work involves understanding where microseismic events occur, when they occur, and how large they are, then turning that information into useful feedback for mine safety and planning.

Where and when did you study, and how would you describe that experience?   

I earned my bachelor of science in geophysics with high honours from the University of Saskatchewan. Before that, I also completed a degree in electrical engineering at Hanoi University of Technology, Vietnam. My time at the University of Saskatchewan was especially important because it gave me a strong foundation in geophysics and opened the door to hands-on industry experience while I was still a student. I was fortunate to work with several organizations in Saskatoon during my university years, and those experiences helped shape the direction of my career early on.

What are some of the most interesting, rewarding, and/or challenging experiences you have had?   

A few projects stand out. One of my proudest recent achievements was the 3D borehole ground penetrating radar project at Nutrien’s Rocanville mine. It was a team effort, and the work helped map ground penetrating radar reflectors around a horizontal borehole in a way that improved geological understanding and helped the site manage risk in complex areas. Another exciting area has been advancing in-mine ground penetrating radar and seismic work at one of the Nutrien’s Saskatoon mines, where the goal is to map the vicinity of mining rooms using higher-resolution subsurface imaging techniques. Earlier in my career, I also worked on integrating underground microseismic systems into Nutrien’s in-house processing software, developing event-detection tools, and automating microseismic processing workflows. What has made these experiences rewarding is seeing geophysical tools move beyond theory and genuinely help with mine safety, geological interpretation, and operational decision-making.

What have you appreciated most about your geoscience journey?   

What I have appreciated most is the combination of technical problem-solving and real-world impact. Geophysics gives you a way to image what you can’t directly see, and in mining that can make a meaningful difference for safety and planning. I have also appreciated the variety in the work, from microseismic monitoring and data processing to ground penetrating radar and surface/in-mine seismic, and the opportunity to keep learning as new tools and methods become available.

Any mentors or role models you’d like to tell us about? What insight or wisdom did they impart?

I have been fortunate to work with many talented colleagues throughout my career, including my supervisors like Dr. Moir Haug and Mr. Craig Funk, who have had a strong influence on my professional development. They have reinforced the importance of applying sound technical judgment while keeping the bigger picture in mind, especially when working on projects that impact mine safety and operations.

One lesson that has stayed with me is the value of combining strong technical work with clear communication and teamwork. In mining and geophysics, sound decisions depend on collaboration across multiple disciplines and learning how to communicate complex ideas to stakeholders effectively has been as important as the technical side of the work.

What activities or interests do you enjoy outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, being with our dog, and playing tennis with friends. I also enjoy getting outdoors when I can and finding time to recharge away from the technical side of work.

Anything else you’d like to add?

One of the things that continues to motivate me in my work is the role mining geophysics can play in improving safety in underground mining. Techniques such as microseismic monitoring and subsurface imaging provide insight into rock mass around mining rooms that are otherwise not directly observable, helping underground operators better understand changing conditions and make more informed decisions. Over time, I have come to appreciate how these tools can contribute not just to operational efficiency, but to creating a safer working environment for underground operators.